Skirts with ample pocket space are few and far between these days, so be thankful for the resurgence of the cargo skirt! These cute, practical pieces are known and loved for their roomy pockets and comfy, casual fit. To rock your own, choose your perfect length and color, then dress it up with a blouse-and-blazer combo or keep things casual with a simple tee and sneakers. Slip your keys in your pocket and leave your purse at home for the day to take advantage of your fashionable, practical skirt.

Steps

Method1

Choosing a Cargo Skirt

1

Choose a skirt length based on your body and preference. Cargo skirts usually hit at or above the knee. Shorter or petite girls might choose a shorter, above-the-knees style to lengthen their legs, while those with wider hips or thighs may want to avoid a skirt that cuts off at the widest part of the thighs. When in doubt, go with a knee-length cut, which is flattering for all body types.[1]

Maxi-length cargo skirts are also available. They tend to be a bit too bulky for everyday wear, but can be great if you’re looking for an edgy or boho vibe.

2

Choose deeper pockets for extra room. Some skirts have deep pockets that can be practical and useful, but others have them only for decoration. If you want the extra pocket space, check out cargo skirts that are knee-length or longer.

3

Choose a classic color, like khaki or olive. Cargo skirts typically come in neutral colors like khaki, olive green, or camouflage. Khaki tends to be the most versatile, pairing nicely with both casual and elegant tops of different colors, but olive can be great for a casual look as well. Go for camouflage if you’re looking for a tougher, more rugged style.

4

Choose a shirt color to complement your skirt. Tan and olive khaki are neutral, versatile colors that you can pair nicely with tops in many different shades. For a neutral look, go with a simple white or black top. If you want a pop of color, look for a jewel-toned color, like forest green, navy blue, and ruby red, or try a pastel blue.[2]

Method2

Going Casual

1

Go with a fitted shirt, or tuck in a looser blouse. Cargo skirts fit in a similar way to denim. The fabric doesn’t flow very much, so they can look boxy if not paired with a the right shirt. Throw on a figure-flattering, fitted shirt to highlight your curves. If you prefer a looser blouse, tuck it to highlight your waist while smoothing over your tummy.[3]

2

Wear a casual sweatshirt and tights if it’s cold. If you’re rocking your cargo skirt on a chilly day, throw on a pair of black tights and a comfy pullover sweatshirt. To maintain the figure-flattering shape of your look, tuck the front of the sweater into your skirt.[4]

You can also throw a dark vest on over your t-shirt for a layered, outdoorsy look.

3

Grab a comfortable, sporty pair of flats or sneakers. Cargo skirts are great for a casual overall look, so pair them with your favorite pair of sneakers. For a slightly dressier but still relaxed look, wear a pair of flats that match the color of your top.

4

Accessorize with a hat. Protect yourself from the sun with a baseball hat, which plays well with the sporty look of a cargo skirt. On a colder day, throw on a slouchy beanie to match your top.

Method3

Dressing Up a Cargo Skirt

1

Tuck in a button-down shirt or blouse. If you want to make your cargo skirt work for the office or a nicer occasion, dress it up with a classier shirt. A button-down shirt or flowy silk blouse looks clean and classic with a cargo skirt. A fitted tank or plain t-shirt can also work when paired with a nice blazer.[5]

Throw on a soft sweater in cold weather, tucking the front into your skirt.

2

Wear a blazer or cardigan for a professional look. Blazers can ramp up the fanciness of any outfit. Navy blue looks particularly clean with a white shirt and cargo skirt. Pastel shades of pink and light blue pair nicely with a khaki-colored skirt for a fresh springtime look.

3

Wear booties, wedges or nice flats. Go for black, or choose a color that matches your shirt. Avoid beige or nude shades, which could clash with the khaki color of your skirt.[6]

Simple black booties add an edgy but classy feel to your outfit and are great for colder winter and fall looks.

Flats are the most versatile option, working well in any season. Look for a dressier pair with a pointed toe or a bit of flashy jewelry, made of a nice fabric like suede or leather.

4

Slip on a belt. A thin, elegant belt can sharpen the line between your skirt and your top, cleaning up the overall look. With a darker colored shirt, look for dark shades of brown. If your shirt and blazer are lighter or pastel, try out a tan color.

5

Accessorize with some striking jewelry. A few simple pieces can step up your whole outfit. Look for thin necklaces in gold or silver hues. With a button-down top, wear a short necklace that lays on your chest. If you’re pairing your skirt with a sweater or long-sleeve shirt, experiment with longer necklace chains. Add simple studs and a couple of thin bracelets to complete the look.

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Tips

Try on your full outfit before wearing it out. Walk around the house a bit to test the fit and comfort level, and look in a full-length mirror to judge the overall look. Use your common sense to decide what looks good and what you can tweak.